COVID-19 Updates

Independent Schools COVID-19 Update – March 30, 2021 (from Ministry of Education and FISA)

Further to yesterday’s PHO announcement and Deputy Minister’s bulletin, BCCDC Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools and the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings have been updated to reflect the amended mask requirements for K-12 staff and students. Changes have been highlighted and include revised guidance for Staff Only Spaces, Student Transportation on Buses, Personal Protective Equipment (with updated exemptions), PHE, music classes, school sports and theatre/film/dance programs.

BC Centre for Disease Control

• Launched a new K-12 Schools and COVID-19 website, featuring resources for families, staff and administrators. This includes a new resource to explain contact tracing in schools.
• There is also a listing of public notifications of school exposures.
• Provided new information on COVID-19 variants.

COVID-19 Safety & BC Schools: What we know so far

• Fewer school-aged children (5 to 18 years old) have tested positive for COVID-19 compared to adults. Younger children make up a smaller proportion of cases than older children.
• Serious COVID-19 outcomes are less common in school-aged children
• COVID-19 virus has a relatively low case rate among school-aged children

An infographic explaining this information is available here.

COVID-19 Variants
It is normal for viruses to change over time, leading to new versions or variants. New variants have been identified since the beginning of the pandemic. COVID-19 variants have been detected across BC, including some people who attend school. So far, these cases are only a small proportion of all COVID-19 cases in the province.

The new variants spread the same way as the original virus, but some COVID-19 variants spread more easily. Because of this, it is even more important to continue to follow the health and safety measures in place in schools. More information on COVID-19 variants is available here.

The PICS Study: Personal Impacts of COVID-19 Survey
BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute is doing a survey to understand more about the thoughts, feelings and actions of people living through this pandemic. Anyone over the age of 8 can participate, and the researchers are interested in hearing from children directly. Learn more here.

Living Safely in a Pandemic
Longer days and warmer weather are sure signs that spring holidays are approaching. While now isn’t the time to travel, there are many ways to safely enjoy spring holidays close to home. Visit the Safer Celebrations and Ceremonies page to learn more.

Wellness Tips
With so much happening and so much uncertainty in daily life, it’s normal to feel worried and overwhelmed. It’s important to look after mental health and well-being during COVID-19. Links to mental well-being resources for children, youth, parents and caregivers are available on the BCCDC Mental Well-being Page.

1. The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centreoffers tips for caring for younger children, parents and caregivers.
2. Foundry BCoffers support for youth 12-24 years old.

• Updated COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines: Based on feedback from the K-12 Education Steering Committee, the Provincial COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings have been enhanced to clarify requirements related to masks, physical activities, and off-campus settings. The BCCDC guidelines were updated February 4.  They are available for viewing on the COVID-19 safe schools website.
• Daily health check app: The K-12 Daily Health Check website and app is an easy way to decide if your child should attend school based on their symptoms. It includes current health guidelines and offers an age-appropriate user-experience for K to 12 students. Bookmark the website: k12dailycheck.gov.bc.ca

• COVID-19 Testing Option for K-12 Students: B.C. has a COVID-19 testing option for school-aged students that involves swishing and gargling sterile salt water and spitting into a collection tube. Families and students can look at the testing information for children and youth, watch a video about what to expect and find information on how to get test results. Younger students should practice the mouth rinse and gargle technique at home with water at least two hours before going for a test.
• BC K-12 Education Restart Plan: Updates to five-stage planning framework
• Restart Plan Guidelines:  for school districts and independent schools
• WorkSafeBC K-12 Education Protocols: Provides guidance and protocols for returning to operation for K-12 education providers